February 22, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: School Mini-Musical Moana, Ramadan Meal Support
- PTA News: Bingo Night, Heritage Day Signups
- SCEF News: SCEF Gala and Online Auction
- Community News: Lunar New Year and Black History Month Free Resources, Parents Learning Night, SCSD Community Liaison, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Fri, Feb 27: Bingo Night 6-8 p.m.
Fri, March 6: Heritage Day Signup Deadline
Wed, March 18: Heritage Day
Mon, March 23 - Mon, March 30: SCEF Online Auction
Fri, March 27: SCEF SpeakEasy Gala at Domenico Winery
Principal’s Message
Looking ahead, building habits, expectations. Mid-winter break.
Dear White Oaks Families,
I hope your mid-winter break was fantastic! It’s nice to have a break AND it’s nice to come back to the routines of school!
Our students are learning social and emotional skills through regular classroom lessons and reinforcement throughout the school day as part of our Second Step social emotional learning program. We also continue to use Kelso’s Choice as a way to build independence in low-level conflict resolution. Some students still need facilitation to determine which of Kelso’s Choices are the most appropriate for the issue at hand.
On the playground, we encourage all students to use “I” messages and three steps to talk-it-out when they have small problems. Even small problems can lead to big emotions, so it is necessary to calm down before trying to solve the problem. Once children have calmed down, it’s time to talk it out.
Step #1: Tell them how you feel. (“I feel ________________________. “)
Step #2: Explain why you feel that way. (“When you___________ I felt ____________.”)
Step #3: Tell them what would help you feel better. (“Could you please____________________?”)
It takes practice to develop and master the skills of using “I” messages and to talk-it-out. At White Oaks, the staff encourages and coaches students to use these skills to solve small problems. Practicing at home is another opportunity for students to practice these important skills so they can become effective problem solvers. Modeling self-talk is hugely beneficial and will help students learn how to navigate day-to-day social interactions.
In community,
Rosina Tong
Principal
Weekly Menu
SCEF News
SCEF Speakeasy March 27, 2026
Join us at the annual SCEF Gala at Domenico Winery for an evening of dinner, dancing and an energetic live auction with our new auctioneer Liam Mayclem! General admission tickets are limited and will be available on Wednesday, February 25th at noon. Please visit www.scefkids.org/events for details.
SCEF Online Auction
Visit www.scefkids.org/events to learn about our upcoming Online Auction March 23-30–Shop for amazing items, experiences, get-aways, outings with teachers and and more while supporting your school!
School News
Moana - White Oaks Spring Mini Musical
Dear White Oaks families,
We are excited to announce the Mugglebees are returning to White Oaks to host our Spring Play - Moana!
It will be 9 weeks on Mondays in the MU from February 23 culminating in a family evening performance on 4/27 and a school performance on 4/28.
The PTA is contributing $50 per child to reduce the fee to $400 per child.
If you are already in the Support for Families program for 2025-2026 and would like to be considered for one of two full scholarships, please contact Mrs. Annie Stevenson at [email protected].
If interested please signup directly with the Mugglebees via the link below.
https://forms.wix.com/f/
If we have a waitlist we will prioritize children who are in 3rd to 2nd grades and who have not participated in the school play before.
If you would like to like to join in on the fun and volunteer.
Please check out this year’s signup genius via the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/
If you have any questions please contact this year’s school play chair Erinn Steinberg at [email protected]
Ramadan Meal Support
In support of students who are fasting in observance of Ramadan, San Carlos School District will offer cold meal options for both breakfast and lunch from February 23 through March 19, 2026. These meals are intended to be taken home for reheating or enjoyed after sunset. Families interested in participating should contact their school principal to sign up or to receive additional information.
PTA News
Bingo Night!
White Oaks BINGO Night is happening on Fri Feb 27, from 6-8pm! All White Oaks families are welcome to attend and to play Bingo. There will be Bingo rounds, music, prizes, and pizza will also be provided. Please RSVP at this link here for pizza headcount.
If you would like to help volunteer to help hand out pizza (you get AYCE as a volunteer!), co-host the event, or if your child has an older sibling no longer at White Oaks who would like to help as an emcee and bingo caller, please sign up here!
White Oaks Heritage Days sign ups HERE!
Para español, desplace abajo.
Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of our White Oaks community at our Annual Heritage Day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Families with students in TK–3rd grade are invited to host a table and share their heritage with our students. Displays can include photos, maps, flags, cultural artifacts, traditional clothing, food samples, and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about and celebrate the many cultures that make our school community so special.
Event Time: 8:25 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the White Oaks MU Sign Up HERE Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, March 6
Want to learn more before signing up? Join our optional info session:
Zoom Info Session: Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 858 1358 3112
Passcode: 5c8c3v
Do you, or someone in your family or community, perform culturally significant music, dance, or art? We would love to feature you!
Have questions or want to help make the magic happen? Reach out to Barbara Taylor [email protected]
Let’s help our students discover the big, beautiful world that lives right here at White Oaks!
Únete a nosotros para celebrar la diversidad en nuestra comunidad de White Oaks en nuestro Día Anual de la Herencia, el miércoles 18 de marzo de 2026.
Las familias con estudiantes de TK a 3er grado están invitadas a organizar una mesa y compartir su herencia cultural con nuestros estudiantes. Las exhibiciones pueden incluir fotos, mapas, banderas, objetos culturales, ropa tradicional, muestras de comida y mucho más. Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los estudiantes aprendan y celebren las diferentes culturas que hacen que nuestra escuela sea tan especial.
Horario del evento: 8:25 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. en el MU de White Oaks Regístrate AQUÍ.
Fecha límite para registrarse: viernes 6 de marzo ¿Quieres saber más antes de registrarte? Acompáñanos a nuestra sesión informativa opcional: Sesión informativa por Zoom: miércoles 25 de febrero a las 7:30 p.m.
ID de la reunión: 858 1358 3112
Código de acceso: 5c8c3v
¿Tú, o alguien de tu familia tiene afinidad con música, danza o arte con significado cultural? ¡Nos encantaría que participen!
¿Tienes preguntas o quieres ayudar a que todo sea un éxito? Comunícate con Barbara Taylor en: [email protected]
¡Ayudemos a nuestros estudiantes a descubrir el gran y hermoso mundo que vive aquí mismo en White Oaks! 
Community News
FREE RESOURCES FOR CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR
Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí y desplácese hacia abajo.
We are proud to have many families who celebrate Lunar New Year in our White Oaks school community. Your Culture & Belonging PTA Committee wanted to share some FREE resources to help your family honor this celebration which begins on Feb 17th.
Lunar New Year is one of the most important annual celebrations for many East and Southeast Asian countries, including China (known as Chūnjié - the Spring Festival), Vietnam (known as Tết), Taiwan, Korea (known as Seollal), among others. In many cultures, each year is also associated with an animal from the zodiac. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. You can learn more about the celebration in different countries here and here.
Click here to find ways to keep your kids amused with FREE resources like local events, crafts, recipes etc.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH THESE FREE RESOURCES
February is Black History Month! Black History Month is a powerful opportunity for families of all backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich history, culture, and countless contributions of Black people. It isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s about celebrating the resilience, innovation, and joy of Black culture while inspiring our children to build a more inclusive future. Your Culture & Belonging PTA committee has also put together these fun, free resources to help you honor and celebrate Black History month including:
-Local events
-Recipes
-Music & Dance
-Crafts & Activities
Please also stop by the Bulletin Board display opposite the MU. If you have any feedback or questions, reach out to Barbara Taylor ([email protected]) or Mariel Valezzi ([email protected])
Parents Learning @ Night PL@N On Feb 24
Join our Early Learning Team on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Heather Elementary for Play to Thrive: Supporting Young Minds Through Play and Positive Behavior with Dr. Julie Nicholson.
Impact of Play: Learn about the latest research on how play contributes to young children's cognitive growth.
Managing Behaviors: Gain insights on key developmental milestones and build skills to help prevent and manage challenging behaviors.
Communication: Develop strategies to talk to your children in a supportive and age appropriate manner.
Childcare Available. RSVP HERE
Meet Our SCSD Community Liaison!
Dear Families,
My name is Jenny Salazar, and I'm happy to serve as your community liaison. I'm here to strengthen the connection between our school and our families. I'm also here to guide you in accessing food resources, school supplies, counseling services, and other community programs if you need assistance. To that end, I have designed a Community Liaison Site where families can easily access this type of information.
I am here to support you in different ways:
- Sharing important school information
- Provide support to reduce barriers to school attendance
- Connect families with school and community resources
- Encouraging family involvement and engagement
- Helping answer questions or guide you in the right direction
- For Spanish-speaking families I can serve as a bridge to help ensure concerns are heard, cultural needs, and services are accessible to all
I believe strong partnerships between home and school help our students thrive. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at [email protected].
I look forward to meeting you and working together to make this a wonderful year for our students!
Parent Education Opportunities
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in February!
What should parents know about AI? Amy D. Love, author, AI expert, and founder of DISCOVERING AI, joins us for Discovering AI: A Parent's Guide to Navigating the Future of Education (February 11).
To understand the migrant experience, Michelle Remond, MA, immigration expert and grief counselor, will discuss Los nueve duelos de los migrantes (The Nine Griefs of Migrants) (February 18).
Visit the Parent Venture Series of Upcoming Events page for more information.
- Parent Venture Series Events
PTA CORNER
Join the White Oaks PTA. Your membership matters and helps support programs and events for our students and teachers.
A percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the White Oaks PTA — at no cost to you!
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